§ 20. Sir Anthony Royleasked the Secretary of State for Industry why a decision was taken to move the laboratory of the Government Chemist from London to Cumbria without details of specific costs being available.
Mr. Alan Williams:The decision to move the laboratory of the Government Chemist was just one element in the Government's broad dispersal programme announced in July 1974. Broad costs were available and showed an overall benefit. Detailed planning and costing could only be undertaken after the decision in principle was announced.